Albion take on AFCB with Slaven Bilic in the dugout

WBA will be AFCB's opposition on Saturday and they have a second season ahead of them in the Championship after finishing fourth, but losing to Aston Villa on penalties in the play-offs. They are likely to be among the favourites to win promotion this time, but there has been a bit of a clear out at the Baggies over the summer.

AFCB head to the Hawthorns.

Players that have left the club include Gareth Barry, Craig Dawson, Wes Hoolahan, James Morrison, Jay Rodriguez and Boaz Myhill. The big transfer move out of the club was arguably Solon Rondón, who didn't even play for WBA last season but was on loan at Newcastle Utd. However, WBA also lost 16-year-old Louie Barry to Barcelona who they were desperate to try and keep hold of having been at the club since he was six. Dwight Gayle scored 24 goals for the Baggies last season, after the transfer swap with Rondón going to Newcastle, but Gayle is not going to be playing at WBA next season.

WBA have bought in a couple of players and they include Filip Krovinovic, a midfielder from Benfica and striker Kenneth Zohore from Cardiff City. The big hope for the Baggies is that Slaven Bilic can take them back up to the Premier League after he was appointed their new manager in June 2019, taking over from Darren Moore who was sacked in March 2019.

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Bilic has a tough job ahead of him to reduce the wage bill and still keep WBA competitive in the Championship. He'll have to do it with several new players and yet he is likely to have some Premier League players who do stay at the club like Chris Brunt, Jake Livermore, Matt Philips and Jonathan Leko. Whether Bilic is going to bring back Oliver Burke is not clear. The midfielder played on loan at Celtic last season, but WBA's director Luke Dowling said he doesn't want Burke playing under Neil Lennon.

In other news, Dominic Solanke has grabbed the vacant number nine shirt.

Hat-trick King steers Cherries to important home win over Hammers 3-2

Match Report

11 March 2017

AFCB 3 v 2 West Ham

Attendance: 11,369

Josh King celebrates with the match ball.

Eddie Howe, the players and all the AFCB fans knew how significant this game was and when the Cherries missed a penalty in the eighth minute, it was an even bigger nightmare when Michail Antonio put West Ham 0-1 up just 48 seconds later. Yet, the Cherries are nothing if not resilient and Josh King netted his first goal just after half an hour and everything was set up for Afobe to put the Cherries ahead from he spot, when Marc Pugh was tripped in the box. But Afobe saw his penalty saved and the Cherries went in all square at half time. There was some discussion over whether King's second goal should stand or not, but Mike Botto, the stadium announcer was quick to call the scorer's name out and referee Robert Madley spoke to the assistant referee, all was good and he let the goal stand. Far from being job done, West Ham fashioned an equaliser with André Ayew scoring in the 85th minute. But AFCB needed more than a point and the running power of Jack Wilshere broke through West Ham's defence, before Pugh put in a cross that almost saw Wilshere get on the score sheet, before Randolph's save fell perfectly to King to complete his hat-trick - the Cherries could celebrate their first win of 2017.

Francis returns to lead the team out.

West Ham fans sing for their team.

There were some enforced changes for Eddie Howe's team with the suspensions to Andrew Surman and Tyrone Mings. This gave chances to Dan Gosling and the returning Simon Francis to put the Cherries on a safer footing in the league table and they wouldn't disappoint.

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West Ham just made one change with Antonio coming in for Robert Snodgrass. 

There are more pictures on Match Day Gallery.

West Ham get ready to start the game.

The match began with West Ham making the play as Creswell sped down the left and put a cross in that flashed right across the box. Bournemouth's early attacks swiftly followed with Pugh making a cross from the left that Afobe headed wide.

Simon Francis and Andy Carroll were getting to know each other with Francis usually winning the header and Carroll looking beleaguered with his backside rooted to the ground. AFCB were having to keep their heads as West Ham pressed forward. Lanzini, Feghouli and Antonio were pushing up high and Adam Smith was doing well to block their advances.

When one of these attacks broke down though, Daniels, Pugh and Gosling made good progress up the left until Daniels was brought down in the box by 'octopus arms' Feghouli – penalty! Josh King resumed the responsibility with AFCB not missing a penalty all season to this point. It was a long delay while Mark Noble received a yellow card. Then it was disbelief as King slotted his kick wide of the right post!

Before that had sunk in, West Ham pounced on a slack pass from Harry Arter. Feghouli then played a ball in centrally to Antonio. A quick turn gave Antonio room to shoot and while he did not hit his shot cleanly, it still slipped past Boruc's outstretched left arm and right into the bottom left corner of AFCB's goal on 10 minutes.

It was hard to believe being so against the run of play, but West Ham were leading. There was a definite ploy for AFCB to get Afobe in over the top and Arter played an early ball in such a manner, but Randolph read it well to beat Afobe just in time.

AFCB kept up the pace with Pugh putting in Daniels up the left and he buzzed his shot/cross right across the goal.

West Ham were not putting many passes together, but Antonio was looking to add to his goals and had a long shot that just went wide on 20 minutes. Feghouli was less tidy and smashed his volley well over.

Bournemouth's reply came from Ryan Fraser who let go a sharp drive from just outside the D that had Randolph having to make a full stretch to his right to keep the ball out for a corner. Steve Cook then saw his headed effort tipped over by the Hammer's keeper.

AFCB kept up the pressure and, after good work from Dan Gosling the ball come out to Fraser to cross from the right. Afobe got a header on and Josh King seemed to flick the ball superbly over Jose Fonté and swiftly got a shot away on his left foot that flew past Randolph to equalise on 31 minutes.

Mark Noble was lucky not to get a second booking when he caught Gosling. West Ham were being forced back. Josh King was really on the gas and burned past three Hammer's players like they weren't there in an amazingly forceful run up the right. 

Minutes later it was Pugh putting West Ham defenders to the test - Jose Fonté brought him down – and after a few moments hesitation the referee pointed to the spot again. Benik Afobe too the ball this time and he hit a tame shot to the left side of the goal that Randolph saved. It was a big anti-climax for the Cherries - no goals from two penalties.

Antonio almost made matters worse when he was in a race with Francis and Boruc, but the Iron's winger just overran his chance. Feghouli had the last chance of the half but Boruc made a good save with his legs.

All square at half time.

Four of AFCB's subs.

Second Half

There were no changes at half time. AFCB started quickly though and Fraser won a free kick from a challenge from Obiang who was carded. The ball in met a group of heads with Steve Cook and Afobe going for the ball. It fell kindly for King, who just swept the ball into the goal. West Ham's players protested that the knockdown had been off an arm but having consulted the assistant linesman, who had seen nothing, referee Madley awarded the goal.

While Afobe and Simon Francis went down with injuries they were soon up and Josh King put another shot wide, after a good run from Adam Smith. Afobe also went close but Randolph made a save.

West Ham were reduced to shots from distance and Feghouli just didn't have his shooting boots on. So Slaven Bilic subbed Feghouli and Noble on 58 minutes and brought on Ayew and Snodgrass. Snodgrass was injured almost immediately but managed to get back into the game.

Pugh picked up a card for a foul on Kouyaté as the game moved on. Afobe had a shot saved before Boruc had to move to his left to keep a shot from Antonio out. Afobe made a big effort then to win the ball against Randolph after a short back pass and went in hard, but fairly for the ball from what I saw, but the referee gave him a yellow card.

Another move from the Cherries led Adam Smith to make a good cross that Afobe headed onto the roof of the net - it just wasn't going in for the ex-Wolves man. Soon after Andy Carroll hit a shot that caught Daniels on the arm, but no penalty was awarded.

Byram replaced Kouyaté with 12 minutes to go. Dan Gosling then entered the referees book for a foul he needed to make on Antonio. West Ham were pushing AFCB back and making them defend deep. Obiang was driving the Hammers up the pitch and he linked well with Byram who played in Ayew from the right, and the striker found it easy to level the scores with just five minutes to go 2-2.

AFCB replied by bringing on  Jack Wilshere and Lys Mousset for Benik Afobe and Ryan Fraser. The Cherries were not done yet and Arter gave a warning with a low drive that just scraped past Randolph's right post. Wilshere was making run after run down the middle of the pitch on breaks, and on one of these he passed the ball out wide to Pugh. A first time cross from Pugh brought the goal back in sight for Wilshere, and while his shot was parried out the ball fell again for King to lift the ball into the roof of the net - it was 3-2 to the Cherries on 90 minutes.

Five minutes of extra time would make the nervous fans start wondering if the ref had lost his whistle. Steve Cook was given a yellow for a foul on Carroll who had faded during the game as had West Ham's hopes.

Boruc had a fairly quite game for once.

Relief for the Cherries.

All over - the Cherries have their win. 

Summary

This was a pleasing result for the Cherries and they made it much harder for themselves than it need have been. Two penalties that didn't go in is a lot to give an opponent in such a tight game, but AFCB got away with it. The energy and sheer explosive power of Josh King is spectacular to watch and now that he has added goals to his game, he looks a quality Premier League player. But don't forget how Jack Wilshere came on and made those great runs bringing the Cherries out from defence and on to the attack - without those strong runs late on this could easily have ended up a draw as the Cherries are still giving two or three clear chances for opponents to score in games.

AFCB
Boruc, A Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Arter, Gosling, Fraser (Mousset 85), King, Pugh, Afobe (Wilshere 85)

AFCB Subs
Allsop, Cargill, B Smith, Gradel, Mousset, Wilshere, Ibe

AFCB Ratings

Boruc 6, A Smith 6, Francis 8, Cook 7, Daniels 7, Arter 7, Gosling 6, Fraser 7, King 9,
Pugh 7, Afobe 6

West Ham Utd
Randolph, Kouyaté (Byram 78), Fonte, Reid, Cresswell, Feghouli (Ayew 58), Noble (Snodgrass 58), Obiang, Lanzini, Antonio, Carroll

Hammer's Subs
Adrián, Collins, Byram, Fernandes, Snodgrass, Ayew, Masuaku

Referee Watch: Robert Madley - impressed that he gave both penalty decisions to AFCB but the card for Afobe was wrong and for that I can only give him 5/10 - still a big improvement on last week's ref!

Eddie has got to be pleased with that.

Rival Lines: West Ham Til I Die says Bilic has over achieved

Rival Lines
Match Preview: West Ham Utd v AFCB
Blogger Interview: West Ham Til I die
Twitter: @WestHamTil

There are usually rather a few goals in games between Wet Ham and AFCB and this game is suddenly very important for both sides after the results of their respective first games of this season in the Premier League. I spoke to Sean Whetstone of the West Ham Till I die website to find out how the Hammers were enjoying their new home and what his expectations were for Slaven Bilic's side this season.

CC: What are your expectations for West Ham this season?

WHTID: It is that second tricky season for Bilic, maybe he over achieved in his first season rising as high as third at one stage. Most Hammers fans believe a top ten finish is achievable and expected. The pundits have gone seventh but I hope we can bag a sixth place finish and qualify for Europa league for a three season running, unless we win the Europa League this year and qualify for Champions league instead of course ;-)

CC: What do you make of playing football in the Olympic stadium is it a big help for West Ham's growth and does it feel like home?

WHTID: It was strange walking up to our new stadium for Europa match and the Juventus friendly. Walking to stadium feels like Wembley way and it feels like a day at Wembley. It has an away game or neutral feel about it so far but I am sure we will get used to it soon and it will soon feel like home. Obviously the hope is the extra income and iconic stadium will help drive the club forward and will grow our global brand worldwide.

CC: Aaron Cresswell is out for a few months but the Hammers have signed Arthur Masuaku as a left-back do you know much about him?

WHTID: The 22-year-old arrived at West Ham from Greek Superleague champions Olympiacos on a four-year contract for a transfer fee of £6.2m.The Lille-born defender has won back-to-back domestic titles with the Piraeus club, and has played more than 100 senior games despite his tender age, including 12 in the UEFA Champions League.

CC: Which of your new signings do you think will make the most impact this season?

WHTID: I think Andre Ayew will make the biggest impact this season, he is our record signing at £20.5m and reunites with his old mate Dimitri Payet from his Marseille days. Ayew scored 12 goals last season for Swansea but crucially 6 of those goals from 8 games he started as a striker. For those of you who play the Premier League fantasy game he scored the exact same number of points as Payet on 171 which should say everything on his ability. [ Ed - sadly Andre Ayew was reported to have a thigh injury in mid-week and is expected to be out for four months]

CC: Do you think Andy Carroll is capable of playing a full season and if he does would it be a massive difference on where West Ham could finish?

WHTID: Andy Carroll has had his ankle rebuild and is on a special training programme which should keep him fit, he was in great form at the end of last season scoring 7 goals from 13 appearances and scored two goals in our friendly with Juventus. That said we now have Andre Ayew, Jonathan Calleri on loan who was wanted by Barcelona and Sakho coming back from injury. He won't just be depending on Andy Carroll but it would be great if if survived the whole season.

CC: Should West Ham take the Europa League more seriously this season?

WHTID: 100% Yes, I hope we really overcome the play off two legged matches for qualification for the group stages. The ultimate prize is qualification for the Champions League and something worth playing for. [Ed - West Ham won their first tie against NK Domzale 4-4 on aggregate in the Europa League and they play Astra Giurgiu in their next Europa League match next week].

CC: Sam Allardyce is now England manager so are there any players at West Ham who you think might now make the England squad?

Of course Mark Noble, Andy Carroll and a fit Aaron Cresswell should be shoe in for England with Big Sam in charge but I hope Michail Antonnio would also get a good look from Big Sam in the squad. Time will tell but I would expect at least two West Ham players in a England squad.

CC: It was a bit of a thriller last season when AFC Bournemouth played at Upton Park. Do you expect a high scoring encounter again?

WHTID: It will be nervous start to the Premier League for both sides but we will want to do well in our first game the London Stadium. I estimate between 2 and 3 goals will be scored though. I am hoping for some exciting football to be played and looking forward to taking up my season ticket seat in the new West Stand for the first Premier League game.

CC: Has Bilic already delivered the football that West Ham fans would be happy to watch for several seasons?

WHTID: Life is rarely dull with Slaven Bilic in charge of the Hammers and he knows about the West Ham way. He loves a winger, the football is very attractive and a joy to watch for West Ham fans and neutrals alike. Who can not get excited when Payet gets hold of the ball or takes a free kick within range of the goal. Long may it continue!

CC: What will the score be between West Ham and AFC Bournemouth

WHTID: I will go for a 2-1 Win for West Ham. A debut home goal from Andre Ayew and an Andy Carroll headed goal to win it in the second half of the game. [Ed - well at least Ayew is not a player AFCB need to worry about for this game now.]

CC: Thanks very much for your answers Sean. The memory of the 1-3 drubbing that West Ham gave AFCB in their last meeting still sits very clearly in the mind with Dimitri Payet running the show. Unless AFCB can get on top of him it will be difficult for AFCB to get something out of the game. Both sides attack at any given opportunity and it could be a real thriller.

Check out the  West Ham Till I die  site for more news on West Ham Utd. You will also see my return answers on their sometime this weekend.

Contract News
Junior Stanislas has signed a new three-year deal at AFCB

Ritchie to Newcastle - dream on Benitez!

With news that Andros Townsend might leave Newcastle Utd, the Toons are ready to fight with West Ham Utd over the signature of Matt Ritchie as announced in the Sun. I don't buy the gossip that Ritchie has been offered to Newcastle. Since when did AFCB start offering its top players to be sold? Yet, Ritchie has already been the subject of a bid from the Hammers along with Callum Wilson and the future of the Sottish international is probably under more doubt than it has been for some time.

We have already seen Tommy Elphick be prepared to drop down a division to the Championship with Aston Villa, but even if Newcastle is an equally massive club in that division, I find it hard to see the advantage of Matt Ritchie being enticed there if he wants to keep his international aspirations in tact. Even a loan move would seem a backwards step. Benitez would have to throw a staggering amount at AFCB to take the player down to the Championship. The real challenge for his services comes from the Olympic stadium where Slaven Bilic is building a side to play in the Europa league. The Hammers have the attraction of a new stadium, a young manager, an exciting squad and European football as well as being a side that is challenging for a place in the top six of the Premier League again next season.

Rafa Benitez had better have a super big cheque book if he is chasing after Matt Ritchie. 

West Ham are ambitious and if Matt Ritchie also has ambition it will be no surprise to hear that he would like to talk to the Hammers. That is the understanding of West Ham who are considering a second bid as they believe the player would be interested in a move. The Hammers also know that Man Utd had scouts down watching Matt in the last few months, although with a change in manager at Old Trafford there has been no signs of further interest from there in the player.

The noise on the transfer rumour market simply won't go away when it comes to Matt Ritchie and while he only signed a new 3.5 year contract last January to ward off interest, it seems that there will be further pressure put on AFCB to part with their winger.

Euro 2016 - Will the real England turn up?

What's happened to Hammer's early away form?

West Ham were top of the charts early season for away wins with successful days against Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. With that kind of record it must have been a joy to be a West Ham fan and yet of late they have struggled a bit on their travels with their last three away fixtures result in draws. That does not sound to bad until you see that two of those matches were against Swansea and Aston Villa. The other match was against Man Utd and for that game they had Andy Carroll back but he has been finding it easier to score at home.

West Ham players at Upton Park when they played AFCB earlier this season.

Sadly for AFCB, West Ham will have much more firepower up front than they had against Swansea and Aston Villa. Andy Carroll is the striker that Steve Cook and Tommy Elphick will probably have to play extremely well against if they are to stop the Hammers from improving their return of away points. There are not many players like him in the Premier League and if he is supplied well with deep crosses he rarely misses more than one chance in the air. AFCB have to try and stop his supply or they will be bullied out of the game.

It may have taken West Ham and Slaven Bilic a few games to see his side get the best out of Carroll, but I can't help thinking they would be even higher in the table if they had not had injuries to Carroll and Dimitri Payet and Chiekou Kuyate. They'll be strong throughout the team with the likes of Mark Noble, Alex Song, Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini, so it is a match where AFCB will need to be physically up for the challenge.

It is noteworthy that West Ham have scored no more than two goals in their last five away games.
If they can find the speed of attack that they hit Liverpool on the break with in their last home match they will have a chance of getting something at Dean Court, but if we get the kind of performance that they put in against Swansea at the Liberty stadium then the Cherries could find that West Ham are the first side that they do the double against this season.

AFCB's defence has also tightened up in the last few home games as well conceding five goals in their last four at Dean Court and three of those came in the Everton 3-3 draw. 

Now that Slaven Bilic has players coming back though this is just as hard a game as the last home match had against Crystal Palace.

West Ham Away Form
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AFCB Home Form
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You can also read my latest article on  the Shoot website - Afobe can make a name for himself like Vardy and Ighalo


So what's your score prediction for tonights game? Send them in on Twitter to @PeterBell19 & follow.

Win a 2016 diary and some AFCB stickers by predicting the correct score. If more than one fan gets it correct there will be a draw made from correct entries. Thanks to our sponsors Altamira, Broomhill Garden Buildings and Natterjacks Vets.

What do we make of West Ham?

A club with a clear plan built on the West Ham Way or a Premier League club with ambition but not knowing how quite to get there? It is easy to cast aspersions on rival clubs, but that is not why I am talking about West Ham who have done well to establish themselves in the Premier League and even to win a place in the Europa League at the end of last season, albeit on fair play rules. But what are we to make about the start to this season? A Europa League exit to Astra Giurgui, then a dramatic two-nil thumping of Arsenal on the opening day, a 16 -year-old who makes the first XI, Joey Barton's deal then no-deal, the Charlie Austin saga and a manager that must try to ensure that the club reaches the Olympic stadium while still in the Premier League. It's not exactly quiet down the East End at the moment.

West Ham players at Dean Court a couple of years ago
for Stephen Purches' Testimonial match. They've signed a few players since then.

West Ham have always had aspirations to be more of a major force in the capital and now is their time to kick on and ensure that they have the team and the manager in place to become a Premier League club that is no longer looking over its shoulder at where the relegation places are. It will have been considered a risk by many to have parted company with Sam Allardyce for the bullish swagger of Slaven Bilic, but perhaps the bold move was the right time to take a gamble. Judging by the start against Astra Giurgui some will have predicted the worse this season and yet Bilic turned this around with one brilliant away win against Arsenal and everything appears fabulous now at Upton Park, even if Leicester City got the better of them last week.

There is a new Reece Oxford on the scene at 16 who has belied his age to turn in a stunning performance against the Gunners and there are signs that the West Ham Academy is doing very well again. While the injury to Enner Valancia was a big blow in pre-season, they have Andy Carroll on the path to full fitness again and up front they will certainly have Diafra Sakho this weekend who is likely to be even better this season than last, if they can keep hold of him before the transfer window shuts. 

It is a little harder to explain some goings on at the club like the Joey Barton escapade, but I guess all clubs will look at players with Premier League experience when they could come in on a free transfer. I can see the attraction for Barton but the Hammers probably made the right decision eventually.  

Meanwhile, chairman David Sullivan's intervention this week on the possible transfer of Charlie Austin rather scuppered that target if Slaven Bilic really wanted Charlie to join them. It appears that Alex Song is likely to join the Hammers soon if everyone can stay friendly and West Ham actually decide they don't want to scupper another deal, but you never know what is really going on at Upton Park.

But looking at the positives, what about that win against Arsenal! West Ham did what the Cherries didn't in their first game and took their chances. It is such a simple game when things go right and the boost that will have given the Boleyn ground faithful should make it easier for Slaven Bilic. Yet having slipped up at home against Leicester, another defeat against the new boys from the south coast and a lot of the good work will have been undone. The strength and physicality of the Hammers side worries me a little, but AFCB have to find a way of dealing with that and standing up to such teams. 

I expect West Ham to try and make it a tough battle, but they can also play great football on the floor so the Cherries are going to have to play with a lot of thought. We could find that West Ham are the Jekyll and Hyde side of the division, they could be the team that blow hot and cold all season as Bilic looks to get a consistent formula. I just hope Bournemouth get them on a day when they are feeling slightly below par.

Injury worries for West Ham mean Mauro Zarte is out with a pulled hamstring, while keeper Adrian is of course suspended for his straight red card against Leicester City.

Enjoy the game if you are going. It should be an entertaining on as Slaven Bilic has already said with both teams having attacking set ups. Perhaps this is a score draw on your scorecard? My boss is a West Ham fan, so do us a favour AFCB - Monday mornings are hard enough as it is. UTCIAD!

West Ham probable XI selected by Evening Standard:
Randolph, Jenkinson, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Kouyate, Noble, Payet, Nolan, Maiga, Sakho.

My AFCB probable XI:
Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, O'Kane, Surman, Gradel, King, Wilson

AFCB Subs: Federici, Smith, Distin, Gosling, Pugh, Atsu, Tomlin

Personally, I'd like Pugh to start for the Cherries as I think he could stand up the the physical side of West Ham's game better than Gradel, but I suspect that Eddie will want to give Max another opportunity with his second start.  

Rival Lines: West Ham Til I Die - Bilic's gambles sometimes pay off

Rival Lines

Match Preview

West Ham Utd v AFCB

Blogger Interview: West Ham Till I Die
Twitter: @westhamfootball

It's hard for the Cherries to keep under the radar these days and us fans seem to be equally in high demand so when Sean Whetstone of the West Ham Til I Die blog asked me to share my views with his readers on the fortunes of AFCB so far it was a good opportunity to get a little more information on West Ham's preparations for the match against AFC Bournemouth and to see what another Hammer fan thought about how Slaven Bilic would do this season. So here you go - some more Rival Lines.

CC: Were you pleased to have a change of manager over the summer?

WHTID: I think it was time for a change for both parties, Sam Allardyce did what he was asked (just) for the seasons he was in charge but we lost our passion and he never bonded with the fans really. His arrogance finally cost him his job but I don't wish ill as long as he keeps his mouth shut about his time at West Ham and saying we were ungrateful.

CC: What do you make of the disciplinary start you have had this season - unlucky or deserved?

WHTID: Slightly ironic that we win the fair play league last season and get a Europa league place then get three players sent off plus a manager. On top of that we lost Adrian at the weekend for three games. I think we have been slightly unlucky, we are not a dirty team.

CC: The Cherries stuck eight past Darren Randolph when he was last in a Birmingham shirt at St Andrews so I guess he might not feel overly confident going into this game?

WHTID: Actually you have put 16 goals past Randolph over the past three matches against him when in goal for Birmingham [Ed- don't worry it was only 12 he let in against the Cherries last season in total but who's counting? Robert Green is now said to be a target for the Hammers]. I think you will find our defence slightly more robust that Birmingham's. A few fans are worried about him after watching him in the Europa league. This is his one chance to shine. If he fails on Saturday he is unlikely to get another chance. He has big shoes to fill in the shape of Adrian but I wish him well.

CC: Your start against Arsenal was terrific what did Bilic get so right in that game?

WHTID: Bilic took a gamble and played Reece Oxford, everyone had Arsenal to win and we surprised them. Great team performance and worthy of the two nil win. Mauro Zarate has an excellent game too and showed his talent to his new manager.

CC: Do you think there is more pressure at home on the West Ham players as they started slowly against Leicester or is there another reason for that first half performance?

WHTID: Leicester City put 10 men behind the ball and made it very difficult for us to play our game, far play to them that's their job. The damage was down in the first half. We had a good second half but couldn't make up the ground. Yes the Ref had a part to play but no use moaning about it, swings and roundabouts, some decisions go your way and some don't. It usually evens itself out over the season.

CC: West Ham have brought in some quality players but which player will give AFC Bournemouth the most problems on Saturday?

WHTID: Dimtri Payet is amazing with one assist and one goal already, hoping he creates a fantastic partnership with Diafra Sakho who has yet score in the first two games. Lanizini is due to replace Zarate who is injured and both new boys Obiang and Ogbonna are likely to feature.

CC: What kind of view do fans get from the Trevor Brooking stand?

WHTID: My season ticket is the Sir Trevor Brooking lower stand so I bias, the atmosphere is amazing and it's the best place in the stadium for noise. Obviously it's behind the goal so the view is not the best but you can be guaranteed lots of banter with West Ham fans in the away section.

CC: Are you looking forward to moving to the Olympic stadium or are you apprehensive about it?

WHTID: I am very much pro stadium move and can't wait to move in. It is a real opportunity for us to move up a gear in the Premier League and it is a shame our move is dominated by talks of state aid and tax payers money. It would have been a white elephant had West Ham not bid to move in and people forget we only rent it for 25 days per year, so we have to get up our permanent home in a way. I recently visited the Stadium during the Athletics weekend and it still has that WOW factor!

CC: West Ham pinched Harry Redknapp from us in the past and there were whispers that you were chasing Eddie Howe this, but would you say most of the Hammers' fans want a manager that has played for the club?

WHTID: Well you have to remember, Harry is East end boy and West Ham through and through having played for us more than the Cherries. He joined us from Tottenham in 1962 as a boy and played for us between 1965 and 1972 before joining Bournemouth. So you pinched him from us first! As for Eddie Howe, I know our board greatly admire him and it was on a B list of candidates but I don't think they would take the gamble a year before the Olympic Stadium and I don't think Howe would leave you either in his moment of glory. I like Eddie Howe and hope it will became a great English manager.

CC: What is your score prediction for the game?

WHTID: Well you showed you can handle yourself with Liverpool and mix it with the big boys. I think you will stop us playing our game like Leicester City did and it is likely to be a low scoring game. I predict a 1-0 narrow win for the Hammers. From set play from a Payet corner and Sakho getting his first goal of the season.

CC: A pretty good set of answers there from Sean. I'm not sure about Eddie Howe ever being on a B list but I liked Sean's recovery! As for the Olympic stadium it looks like that story will run and run with eight London teams now deciding that they don't like the idea. I wonder where those clubs were when Leyton Orient were trying to make a stand a couple of years ago. Personally I'll be please that the stadium is being used and not being knocked down. West Ham are all about legacy with their great history and may be the Cherries can make some of their own history at Upton Park this weekend by getting their first win in the Premier League.

Please check out more of Sean's great words on the West Ham Till I Die Blog. Bianca Westwood has a good piece on Slaven Bilic and thoughts after their Arsenal and Leicester City games - From ecstasy to agony - well worth a read. You should also find my return answers up on the West Ham Til I Die site today.

Rival Lines: Iron Views gives us 'The West Ham Way' of things

Rival Lines
Match Preview: West Ham v AFCB
22 August 2015
Blogger Interview: Iron Views
Twitter: @ironviews 

It is Rival Lines time. I had tried to get hold of our old friend Liam Spencer who writes on Iron Views last week and found that he was on his travels which left me stumped for a bit, but then I was lucky enough to come across his good friend Stuart Plant, who also writes on Iron Views! So with the visit to the Hammers quickly coming up, let's find out how confident they are of adding to their points tally this weekend.

CC: It was a great start to for you against Arsenal but was that result a surprise even for Irons fans?

IV: Before the game, any fan who said we'd beat Arsenal was either talking in jest, or, perhaps already had too much to drink During the game though, it was more than comfortable, never did I fear we'd lose the match - especially after the second goal. That, in itself was a surprise - as under Sam even at 2-0 up all our fans would've thought "when's their comeback going to start then!"

CC: Who in particular do you feel wasn't so great last season and needs to have a big season for the Hammers this time around?

IV: Nolan, Zarate, Jarvis.
Nolan delivered in his early stages at the club, and, on the whole was a brilliant purchase and solid captain. Now though, he just doesn't have the legs, Bilic has given Noble the captaincy, so, seems there's no chance of redemption for Nolan.

Zarate and Jarvis are two who were given chances in our Europa stint, Jarvis was very impressive and actually ran at opposing players for the first time in years! Zarate has proven that he is capable, but, is awfully greedy. He'll be the main player to benefit from Bilic coming in though for a second chance.

CC: If you sign anyone else before the transfer window shuts where do you think you need strengthening?

IV: Feels like déjà vu again. We desperately need another out and out striker, and, a defensive midfielder too ala Song (injury permitting) would be perfect.With only Sakho as our fit senior striker, we can't rely on him and Zarate for goals.

CC: Would you have liked more of a run in the Europa League?

IV: Would it have impacted our PL campaign? Yes. Is our squad to thin for giving four competitions an equal go? Yes.

Would it have made the last season at Upton Park more magical with those night games? Of course. That's the sticking point for many fans as they wanted that. Realistically, it's probably for the best though.
Saying that, AZ Alkmaar (who we'd have played if got through to play-off) are no pushovers.

CC: How pleased are you that Slaven Bilic has given 16-year-old Reece Oxford his chance in the first two Premier League games?

IV: Massively.
Seen him for the U21's and England U17's who he captains, and he is genuinely an exciting prospect. Saying that, I didn't expect him to play as he did up against Cazorla and Ozil given he is predominantly a CB, just with the technique and ability to play further forward.

Against Leicester his inexperience showed though, which is fine, he's 16 and just picked up his GCSE results so you can't berate the boy too much.

The club have handled it well, anyone who didn't feel chuffed for him after hearing his interview post-Arsenal game has no heart. Came across so well, and, level-headed. If he carries on his development steadily, well, the talk of Rio comparisons will be a thing of the past.

CC: Bilic has brought in quite a few midfield players like Manuel Lanzini, Dimitri Poyet and Peitro Obiang, do you think that was where West Ham were weak last season?

IV: Yes and no.
Payet was his main target, the club got him. I know it's early doors, but he looks like he could well be one of, if not, THE best transfers this Summer In The PL.

Obiang comes with a lesser reputation outside of Italy where he was playing, but, was highly regarded by their fans. You can see why after his 45mins debut last week too. Lanzini is young and raw, if we build him up though, he could be something special.

CC: What did you feel about how west Ham played in the first half against Leicester - not at the races?

IV: I wrote in a preview piece that it'd be won and lost on the wings. Leicester have proven how strong they are there, and, did so again! Bilic was naive to think he'd get away with the thin formation used against Arsenal against a team who optimise the wings.

CC: Are you worried about Darren Randolph coming into goal? [Ed - AFC Bournemouth put 12 goals past him last season!]

IV: In his matches in Europa and Pre-season, he has looked rather suspect to put it mildly. He did have a good reputation amongst Brum fans I believe, so we've got no choice but to support him. He's a West Ham player, so he'll get my utmost respect and support...as long as he doesn't let in any(!) or at least anywhere near that many at the weekend!

When you take a punt on a free transfer, of a back up keeper, from a lower league, it's always a gamble. Talk of us looking for another keeper purely on Adrian's red card are beyond ridiculous. [Ed- West Ham appealed against Adrian's red card against Leicester City but failed so Randolph looks like he's in for West Ham's next three matches unless he gets injured or sent off himself]

CC: Who do you hope is in the side to play AFC Bournemouth?

IV: After his influence in the second half, I really want to see Obiang start in place of Oxford. Other than that, our long term injuries remain the same meaning it'll most probably be Zarate and Sakho up top, the midfield picks itself now that Obiang is back too.

CC: Do you expect to win easily against the Cherries?

IV: It doesn't matter if we had Messi, Suarez and Carroll (ha!) starting upfront, you cannot EXPECT anything from games in this league. We've already witnessed that across the league this year. So, no, in a nutshell! I hope we do, if our players play to their potential we 'should', but, these are all based on if, buts, and maybes.

Something, the Premier League doesn't take into account!!!

CC: Any advice for first time visiting fans coming to Upton Park - anything they should make sure they get to see in or around the ground?

IV: Just try and soak it up id say, I guess? It's not a dazzling area, or a state-of-the-art ground, but, there's magic around the place when it's match day.

The WC statue is an obvious one to see, as it should be something all fans of Football, and, history should see. The fans love an away section who have some good banter/chants too, so hopefully there's some of that too-and-fro.

CC: Many thanks to Stuart for putting his views across and for giving us such a good insight as to what it feels like to be a West ham fan at the moment. You can follow Stuart @ironviewsStu and please catch up with what he and Liam have been writing Iron Views - Bullet point breakdown, Payet deal suggests a new era and west Ham's European cowardice (their headlines not mine) are well worth a read and there are lots of other features and news on the site.

If you enjoyed that run in with a West Ham look out for Rival Lines again before the weekend as we have west ham Til I Die blogger Sean Whetstone also taking part in a Rival Lines - Hammer fans just love the banter don't they.